Rhode 401 LLC

(650) 773-3730

Garyb.co27.144@gmail.com

The speaker is the developer and patent holder of ProComp® the only thermoplastic prepreg composite that is a compatible with standard O&P draped encapsulation vacuum thermoforming. Mr. Bedard is a graduate of the University of Washington O&P program. He was the founding chair of the Academy Fabrication Sciences Society. Mr. Bedard has been recognized by his peers as the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award, Distinguished Practitioner Award, and the Titus-Ferguson Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Bedard has presented and published over 50 topics in the field and has been an invited speaker in 35 countries. He is the managing principal of Rhode 401 LLC.

Product development and education in Medical devices. Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist provides professional educational seminars and directs product development. Has traveled nationally and internationally as a speaker, consultant, clinical advisor, and product development specialist. Also acted as liaison to governmental agencies with respect to medical coding and contract procurement.

Valarie has been in the O&P field for over 20 years beginning as a technician while earning her degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from St. Petersburg College. As a practitioner, she was responsible for several pediatric and wound care clinics. Valarie’s role as production manager allows her to work closely with technicians to improve efficiencies and techniques in carbon composite material.

Laurie Calligaris became President of Toray Performance Materials Corporation in September 2021. She has a long career with Toray PMC beginning in 1997. She managed the medical business early in her career and it remains a strong focus of the company.

Greg Storz, CO - Clinical Educator, Thrive Orthopedics

Greg has been in the O&P field since completing his Orthotic training at Shelby State College in 1991. As a lifelong learner with an entrepreneurial spirit, he has been committed to seeking optimal outcomes on both the clinical and business sides of the ever-changing O&P profession. Greg lives in Omaha NE, near his three children and eight grandkids. He and his wife, Holly, enjoy being outside as much as possible, gardening, exploring, and putting a lot of miles on their bicycles.

Evan Eckersely, Co-Founder, Icarus Medical Innovations

Evan founded Icarus Medical Innovations with his business partner, Dave, in 2020. Prior to Icarus, Evan founded Lytos Technologies, LLC, which provides agricultural fungicide technologies that are sustainable, regenerative, and organic. Evan’s research-based engineering background gives him a unique perspective on problem-solving in the O&P industry. Evan is also a rock star on the side.

Tyler Austin attended the University of Florida where he received his BS and MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition. His interest in Nutrition and Podiatric Medicine stemmed from his own personal family history of various pathologies, including diabetes and its accompanying lower extremity complications.

Upon earning his Master’s, Dr. Austin moved to Philadelphia and attended Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. While in school, he partook in various biomechanical and sports medicine research projects for the Gait Study Center, and was awarded the Merit Scholarship from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

After graduation, Dr. Austin completed a three-year podiatric surgical and medical residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center and Jefferson Health Northeast, where he was exposed to a high level of foot and ankle pathologies and their diagnoses and treatments. Dr. Austin then practiced with the Allied Podiatric and Vascular Institute (APVI) before joining Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Kim De Roy holds an MSc in Rehabilitative Sciences and Physical Therapy and is a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO). Kim has been actively involved in the O&P industry since the year 2000. Prior to joining Elevate Movement as their CEO, Kim spent the majority of his career at Össur, where he focused on Education, Sales and Marketing, and Research and Development in both Europe and the United States. In 1996, Kim experienced a life-changing event when he became a BK (below-the-knee) amputee. It was this personal journey that inspired him to blend his expertise in Physical Therapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics to create innovative solutions for individuals facing similar challenges in their daily lives. His mission is to assist them in achieving the seemingly unachievable in the face of adversity. A fun- fact about Kim is that in 2014, he participated in his first and only full marathon in Iceland. He managed to set a world record in the category of unilateral BK amputees, completing the marathon in a time of 2 hours and 57 minutes. Kim is eager to share insights on how advanced technology is revolutionizing care for the drop-foot population, further enhancing their quality of life.

Alexandra D'Agostini, MD is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon practicing in northern New Jersey. She earned her medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. After graduating, she continued on to her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She then went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite in Atlanta, GA. She has a subspecialty interest in cerebral palsy/neuromuscular disorders, deformity, and trauma. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and her Australian cattle dog mix, Luna, weightlifting, running, and cooking.

Mark Rieger, MD, FAAOS, CFP ® has over 30 years of experience in the medical and business world. He manages a 9 member private pediatric orthopedic practice. He also has had leadership roles in several large medical groups. His exposure to all aspects of medicine, law, accounting, and insurance among others provided him with the experience and expertise to earn a degree in financial planning. He has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Minimally Invasive Surgeons in the Tri-State Area” by New York magazine. His expertise in the treatment of adolescent sports injury, fractures and trauma, Scoliosis, clubfoot and hip disorders has won him numerous awards including New Jersey Monthly "Top Docs”, "Best Doctor in America," "Patient's Choice,” and “Most Compassionate Doctor awards for many consecutive years. He is recognized as a Ponseti Doctor by Ponseti InternationalAs the first podiatric physician in the US to start a fellowship in pediatric foot & ankle surgery, the latter portion of my career is dedicated to this specialty. With the support of my pediatric orthopedic partners, our mission is to educate and advance the knowledge base and improve outcomes for every child. Over the last twenty years, I have lectured on both a national and international level on topics ranging from MIS to deformity correction to various pediatric foot & ankle medical/ surgical diagnosis and treatment. I have also been involved in R&D as a design surgeon and consultant to multiple orthopedic and biomaterial industrial partners which evolved into founding and co-managing POC Creative Works, a multispecialty R&D group.

Dr. Mark E. Solomon is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He founded Advanced Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Cedar Knolls in 2003.As a leading foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Solomon serves as the podiatrist for the New York Jets Professional Football Team. He has delivered several lectures at leading institutions and businesses. Recently, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons invited Dr. Solomon to present two submissions at the annual conference in 2017.As a part of a new generation of foot and ankle specialists, he is trained in the newest and latest treatments and techniques. He is one of a few hundred physicians worldwide who is trained to perform a state-of-the-art technique to help restore sensation to individuals suffering from neuropathy.

Dr. Gan Golshteyn a fellowship-trained Pediatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, who is Board Qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. I specialize in Pediatric Foot and Ankle Surgery, which includes foot and lower extremity deformities, pediatric and adult trauma, and sports injuries. I recently completed extensive specialized training in Pediatric Foot and Ankle deformities and complex injuries at the renowned Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, under the direct mentorship of fellowship-trained Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons who have been trained at Rady Children’s Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dupont Hospital, and Campbell’s Clinic.After receiving my undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University, I earned my doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. I completed my residency at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center.

Jaime is a nationally certified physician assistant with New Jersey state licensure specializing in orthopedics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Cook College-Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, and completed her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies jointly at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Seton Hall University.Jaime is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at A.T. Still University. Jaime is pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Degree with a concentration in leadership with an anticipated graduation of winter 2025.Practicing pediatric orthopedics since 2002, Jaime’s expertise is in fracture management, sprains and strains. She has a special interest in clubfoot deformities as well as adolescent sport injuries.Jaime has held the role of primary conference coordinator for multiple educational events sponsored by the practice since 2006. These conferences provide an opportunity for local healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge on current pediatric orthopedic trends. Jaime recognizes the importance of education and awareness in keeping children safe and healthy and works hard to promote this within the community.Jaime served as an adjunct professor from 2012 to 2022 at Seton Hall University’s Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Orange, NJ. She provided education for students in topics such as orthopedic radiology, orthopedic physical exam and musculoskeletal abnormalities. Jaime also frequently counsels young individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a PA.

Mitzi Williams DPM, FACFAS is a pediatric foot and lower extremity surgeon who specializes in congenital deformities. Dr. Williams and her colleague Dr. Scott Kaiser direct the Pediatric and Infant Foot Deformity Clinic at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California. She is an attending surgeon at the SF Bay Area Foot and Ankle Residency Program. Dr. Williams is nationally recognized for her expertise in treating pediatric foot and lower extremity deformities. She and her co-author Dr. Matthew Dobbs have recently published two chapters for the McGlamry's Foot and Ankle Surgical Textbook including Pediatric Deformities and Clubfoot.Dr. Williams is the author of My Boots and soon-to-be-published My Big Boots. She and her co-authors, Dr. Matthew Dobbs and Dr. Scott Kaiser dedicate these children's books to the patients and their families whose stories inspire us.

Dr. Tamir Bloom is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon who treats a wide spectrum of pediatric musculoskeletal problems, including neuromuscular lower extremity deformities, hip dysplasia, fractures, sports injuries and complex foot disorders. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Bloom earned his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Bloom completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, and a pediatric orthopedic fellowship at the Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA. Dr. Bloom was an assistant professor at the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School from 2007 to 2014. Since then, he has been in practice in NJ at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center. Dr. Bloom is a U.S. National Champion, and an Olympian, representing Team USA in fencing during the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

Aamir Ahmed, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible foot and ankle surgeon with extensive training in reconstructive surgery. He currently sees patients at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey in Millburn, Westfield, and Union, New Jersey.Dr. Ahmed earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine after graduating cum laude with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He completed his three-year surgical residency at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he gained surgical experience in adult foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, arthritic joints, Achilles tendon reconstruction, arthroscopy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and diabetic limb salvage, with advanced training techniques in wound care.The following year, Dr. Ahmed went on to complete a pediatric foot and ankle fellowship at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, under the mentorships of Dr. Mark Solomon and Dr. Mark Rieger. There, he gained experience treating children with foot and ankle congenital deformities, sprains, fractures, growth plate injuries, as well as sports and dance injuries. Some pediatric conditions that Dr. Ahmed has managed and treated include equinovarus deformities (clubfoot), toe walkers, in-toeing, flatfoot, high arch foot, ankle sprains/fractures, and brachymetatarsia.

Michael D. Zito, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Morristown Clinical and Sport Psychology with 2 New Jersey locations in Morristown and Watchung. Dr. Zito began his career as a Certified School Psychologist in 1983. During his 17 year tenure, he conducted psychological evaluations to assess learning and behavior issues, developed Individualized Educational and 504 Plans, and provided crisis intervention counseling in the elementary through high school levels. Dr. Zito received his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Counseling at Seton Hall University and earned his license as a Psychologist in 1998. In his clinical practice, he provides individual, marital, family and group therapy and assessments to children, adolescents and adults. In his work with children and adolescents, he utilizes a comprehensive approach by also providing parenting strategies to support his therapy work.In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Zito authored various book chapters and publications. He published a chapter in ADHD Treatments and Remedies: Top experts share their secrets to success. He co-authored an article in the NJ Psychologist What’s New In Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Resolving Diagnostic Confusion Between Pediatric Bipolar and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. His article was featured on the Expert Beacon website Pediatric Bipolar Disorder and ADHD: Differences and how to get help. Dr. Zito is the author of the Family Matters column in the Showcase Magazine which serves 3 counties and 60,000+ readers in central NJ. He provides educational and psychological consultation to several NJ private elementary and high schools. Dr. Zito is an Approved Clinical Supervisor at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.Dr. Zito provides sport psychology services to professional, elite, collegiate, high school and youth athletes. He is a consultant to University teams, private high school athletic departments and sport training facilities. Dr. Zito has extensive coaching experience and provides consultation to coaches. He has earned Certified Mental Performance Consultant designation (CMPC) and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry. Dr. Zito was nominated to run for President Elect of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) in 2013, the world’s largest Sport Psychology organization with over 2000 members in 42 countries. He remains active in AASP and is currently the Chair of the Ethics committee. His performance psychology services can help actors, chess players, gamers, dancers, musicians, business personnel, military and special operation forces. Public speaking performance anxiety can also be addressed through these techniques.Dr. Zito is also published in the sport psychology field. He authored a book Chapter in the 2010 Routledge Handbook of Sport Psychology on Family Systems Intervention in Sport. Dr. Zito has written a chapter Ethical Considerations in Sport Psychology Assessment for the 2018 book Assessment in Sport Psychology Consulting. He is a member of AASP’s Ethics committee, he co-authored a newsletter article What’s in a name: Some ins and outs of representing yourself. He is a reviewer for the Journal of Clinical and Sport Psychology. Dr. Zito presents regularly at local and international conferences. He is a member of the NJ Psyching Team support for marathon and half marathon events. Dr. Zito has appeared on Channel 9/Fox News and has made multiple radio appearances. His work has been featured in SELF magazine.

Dr. Sarah Stelma is a board-eligible Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon with a subspecialty focus in scoliosis, fractures, and sports injuries. Dr. Stelma completed a Pediatric Orthopedic and Spine Surgery fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. She served as Clinical Instructor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tufts Medical School, as well as Chief Resident of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tufts Medical Center. She has published numerous articles in medical journals, text books, and has presented at medical schools and national medical conferences. She is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA). Along with Dr. Rieger, Dr. Stelma makes The Pediatric Orthopedic Center the top choice for compassionate and expert scoliosis care.

Founder and Medical Director of The SerenaGroup®, a group of wound care clinics, Dr. Serena is a vascular surgeon and long-time proponent of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The internationally recognized expert in the field of wound healing has been the lead or Principal Investigator in over 100 clinical trials. He has a vast knowledge of oxygen therapy and understands its positive impact on chronic wounds.

Dr. Serena has published more than 200 papers and given more than 1,000 lectures worldwide. His well-decorated tenure includes past-President of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and the American Professional Wound Care Association, former board member of the Wound Healing Society, and also Vice-President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. He has also developed a diagnostic technique to collect proteases from chronic wounds, called The Serena Technique©.

Dr. Windy Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati and is a graduate of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Cole practices in Northeast Ohio where she serves as Medical Director of the Wound Care Center, University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center and as Adjunct Professor and Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. A dedicated wound care advocate for two decades, Dr. Cole is interested in medical education, diabetic foot care, wound care, limb salvage, and clinical research. Her passion to help others has led her to humanitarian efforts, including a medical mission to Jordan in 2018 to aid Syrian refugees. Dr. Cole has published numerous articles and is in demand as a speaker both nationally and internationally. She is a feature writer for Podiatry Management and Today’s Wound Clinic and is a contributing writer for Podiatry Today.

Dr. Wahab is a wound care specialist and serves as medical director for the Mountainview Wound care and Hyperbaric Center, the inpatient medical director for Dignity Health Hospitals in Las Vegas and for Post Acute Medical Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. She is an active member of many wound care organizations. She completed her tenure as a  board member and treasurer for AAWC. She is a member of the European Wound Management Association and currently is a committee member for the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders and participates in multiple education committees for wound healing. Dr. Wahab is passionate about research and has her own research department to conduct clinical trials for wound healing.  Dr. Wahab participates on many medical advisory boards for wound care biotech innovations. She is faculty for Roseman University College of Medicine Nevada  and part of the Internal Medicine GME program for Mountainview Hospital. Dr. Wahab utilizes a research-oriented multidisciplinary approach to foster a personalized environment for her patients by integrating new technological advancements in her patient centered wound therapy programs.

Dr. Schultz is Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida where he served as Director of the Institute for Wound Research and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His extensive research primarily focuses on the regulators of normal wound healing and understanding the role bacterial biofilms and proteases play in impairing wound healing.  Dr Schultz has authored or co-authored over 400 publications that have been cited over 23,000 times.  He has received $38 million in grant support as a principal- or co-investigator, is an inventor on 36 patents, and was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.  He served as President of the Wound Healing Society and served on the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.

His research focuses on the molecular and cellular regulation of wound healing, and covers the spectrum of wound repair from normal healing to the pathological conditions of excessive healing (fibrosis) and failed healing (chronic wounds). Schultz’s lab was the first to recognize the dramatic differences in the molecular environments of acute and chronic wounds. These basic science discoveries have translated into improved clinical treatments embodied in the concepts of “Wound Bed Preparation” and “Biofilm Based Wound Care.”

Schultz has received numerous recognitions for his research and teaching, including Medicinae Doctorem (honoris causa) from the University of Linköping, Sweden, TIME magazine Innovation Leader, Silver Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and President of the Wound Healing Society.

Founder and Medical Director of The SerenaGroup®, a group of wound care clinics, Dr. Serena is a vascular surgeon and long-time proponent of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The internationally recognized expert in the field of wound healing has been the lead or Principal Investigator in over 100 clinical trials. He has a vast knowledge of oxygen therapy and understands its positive impact on chronic wounds.

Dr. Serena has published more than 200 papers and given more than 1,000 lectures worldwide. His well-decorated tenure includes past-President of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and the American Professional Wound Care Association, former board member of the Wound Healing Society, and also Vice-President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. He has also developed a diagnostic technique to collect proteases from chronic wounds, called The Serena Technique©.

Dr. Windy Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati and is a graduate of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Cole practices in Northeast Ohio where she serves as Medical Director of the Wound Care Center, University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center and as Adjunct Professor and Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. A dedicated wound care advocate for two decades, Dr. Cole is interested in medical education, diabetic foot care, wound care, limb salvage, and clinical research. Her passion to help others has led her to humanitarian efforts, including a medical mission to Jordan in 2018 to aid Syrian refugees. Dr. Cole has published numerous articles and is in demand as a speaker both nationally and internationally. She is a feature writer for Podiatry Management and Today’s Wound Clinic and is a contributing writer for Podiatry Today.

Dr. Wahab is a wound care specialist and serves as medical director for the Mountainview Wound care and Hyperbaric Center, the inpatient medical director for Dignity Health Hospitals in Las Vegas and for Post Acute Medical Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. She is an active member of many wound care organizations. She completed her tenure as a  board member and treasurer for AAWC. She is a member of the European Wound Management Association and currently is a committee member for the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders and participates in multiple education committees for wound healing. Dr. Wahab is passionate about research and has her own research department to conduct clinical trials for wound healing.  Dr. Wahab participates on many medical advisory boards for wound care biotech innovations. She is faculty for Roseman University College of Medicine Nevada  and part of the Internal Medicine GME program for Mountainview Hospital. Dr. Wahab utilizes a research-oriented multidisciplinary approach to foster a personalized environment for her patients by integrating new technological advancements in her patient centered wound therapy programs.

Dr. Schultz is Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida where he served as Director of the Institute for Wound Research and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His extensive research primarily focuses on the regulators of normal wound healing and understanding the role bacterial biofilms and proteases play in impairing wound healing.  Dr Schultz has authored or co-authored over 400 publications that have been cited over 23,000 times.  He has received $38 million in grant support as a principal- or co-investigator, is an inventor on 36 patents, and was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.  He served as President of the Wound Healing Society and served on the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.

His research focuses on the molecular and cellular regulation of wound healing, and covers the spectrum of wound repair from normal healing to the pathological conditions of excessive healing (fibrosis) and failed healing (chronic wounds). Schultz’s lab was the first to recognize the dramatic differences in the molecular environments of acute and chronic wounds. These basic science discoveries have translated into improved clinical treatments embodied in the concepts of “Wound Bed Preparation” and “Biofilm Based Wound Care.”

Schultz has received numerous recognitions for his research and teaching, including Medicinae Doctorem (honoris causa) from the University of Linköping, Sweden, TIME magazine Innovation Leader, Silver Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and President of the Wound Healing Society.

As a board-certified podiatrist and pediatric specialist, Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM can help with the most complex of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. DeHeer is in private practice and cares for patients at Hoosier Foot & Ankle. After earning his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Dr. DeHeer went through his residency in podiatric surgery at Winona Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis. He then completed a fellowship in foot and ankle arthroscopy. Dr. DeHeer is double board certified through the ABPS, specializing in foot surgery, as well as reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He holds professional memberships with the APMA, the ACFAP, and the ACFAS. He is the team podiatrist for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever.Dr. DeHeer is the founder of Step-by-Step Haiti and Foot Aid a medical missionary with 25 trips worldwide and won the Humanitarian Award from the APMA in 2011 and was honored again in 2014 by the FIP.

A podiatrist and former CEO of Weil Foot and Ankle, a multi-office practice that puts efficiency and innovation first. In 2023, Weil Foot & Ankle joined forces with Balance Health, where I currently serve as the Executive Chairman. In addition, I am the founder of FABI - Foot and Ankle Business Innovations (FABI).

Chance Rodriguez is Founder and CEO of Populate, an AI-based EMR for Podiatry. He is husband to a physician and has dedicated his career to creating software to improve the lifestyle and financial productivity in private practices. Prior to building EMRs, Chance was a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company as well as a Software Investor. Chance received an MBA from Columbia Business School as well as a degree in Finance from the NYU school of business. Chance is a proficient medical coder and a highly competitive pickleball player.

Dr. Lehrman is in private practice just outside Philadelphia and is the Medical Director at the Crozer Wound Healing Center. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, and is recognized as a “Master” by the American Professional Wound Care Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management and an Expert Panelist on Codingline. In his role as a Consultant to the APMA Health Policy and Practice Department, Dr. Lehrman serves as an advisor to the APMA Coding Committee and the APMA MACRA Task Force. Dr. Lehrman sits on the board of directors of both the American Professional Wound Care Association and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. He is an adjunct clinical professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and trains surgical residents and medical students at his hospital system. Dr. Lehrman is also on the editorial advisory board of the journal WOUNDS.

David Mandel, MD. has been providing care to patients with rheumatic diseases in Northeast Ohio since 1982. He is a member of the medical staffs of both Lake and Hillcrest Hospitals. His practice has been actively involved and has participated in more than 150 research trials with many new emerging Biologic therapies in the treatment of Rheumatoid, Gout, Psoriatic arthritis and Osteoporosis. He has also authored many articles on these topics. He is a past president of the Ohio Association of Rheumatology. This organization advocates on behalf of patients with Rheumatic diseases to educate government officials and insurance payers. He has been a pioneer in the use of many new imaging modalities such as Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and MRI. His practice initiated an annual event, the ‘Walkrunfor Stronger Bones’ to educate the community about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis.

Dr. Abicht is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon practicing for over a decade at Gundersen Health System (GHS) in La Crosse, WI. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and currently serves as department chair for the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Department at Gundersen Health System. Dr. Abicht is actively involved in medical education, medical leadership, as well as research with regular publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Additionally, he serves on the editorial board for multiple journals. Dr. Abicht is a leading surgeon innovator within the foot and ankle space, with particular interests in percutaneous and MIS techniques as well as emerging technologies that advance patient care. He regularly lectures nationally and internationally on related foot and ankle topics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending as much time as he can with his wife and two sons.

• Undergraduate from Long Island University – Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences -BS Pharmacy 1984
• New York College of Podiatric Medicine 1987 Doctoral of Podiatric Medicine
• Surgical residency– NYCPM and Affiliated Hospitals 1988
• Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 1991 – recertified continuously to present
• Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons  1991
• Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons 2012
• Past Adjunct professor NYCPM – Department of Radiology
• Author of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Foot and Ankle 2008
• On staff at Robert Wood Johnson – Clara Maass Campus and Hackensack Meridian – Mountainside Campus
• Author of many podiatric publications including three articles on gout Cofounder of Gout Institute of America 2017
• Has lectured extensively on gout on a national level

• Assistant Professor, College of Podiatric Medicine
• Attending Physician, Riverside University Health System
• Course Director for Podiatric Medicine, Principles, and Practice III
• Board-Certified Foot Surgery, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
• California Radiography and Fluoroscopy X-Ray Supervisor and Operator
• Licensed to practice Podiatry in California, New York, Georgia
• WesternU CPM Excellence in Teaching Award and The Extremitas Editors’ Choice Award - 2023
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Resident Teacher Award - 2018
• Member, California Podiatric Medical Association
• Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, New York State Podiatric Medical Association
• College of Podiatric Medicine Oath Committee Member
• Course Director, Podiatric Medicine, Principles, and Practice 3
• Present Podiatry CME Committee
• AACPM Council of Faculties Curricular Guide Committee - Orthopedics
• Clinical Faculty, Chino Valley Medical Center Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program

Paul Langer is a podiatrist in practice with Twin Cities Orthopedics and serves as the medical director of OLT Footcare. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical School and the author of Great Feet for Life as well as an editor of Athletic Footwear & Orthoses in Sports Medicine. He has lectured internationally on lower extremity and footwear topics.

Dr. Windy Cole is a native Ohioan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati where she graduated summa cum laude. She is also an honors graduate from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Cole has practiced in Northeast Ohio for over 2 decades. She serves as the Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and is the Director of Professional Development and Clinical Education for Woundtech. She is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Wound Management. Dr. Cole is a Fellow of the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing. Dr. Cole has published numerous peer-reviewed and industry articles on these topics and is a sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally. She is an Editorial Board member and frequent contributor to Wound Management and Prevention, Podiatry Today, The Foot Journal, and Lower Extremity Review.

Dr. Warren S. Joseph is a specialist in the treatment of lower extremity infectious diseases. He received his podiatric degree from the Wm. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr Joseph completed his postgraduate training in podiatric medicine/surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Hahnemann University School of Medicine, both in Philadelphia. He is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ.

Dr Joseph is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and is an author on the IDSA Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines. He is also certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, and currently serves as Editor of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr Joseph lectures extensively and his presentations have focused on the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the lower extremity. He has authored close to 100 publications in the field of lower extremity infections.

Sports Medicine Podiatrist in private practice for 30 years. Owner of Orangetown Podiatry, PC. Emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation of lower extremity pathologies. Subscribe to Dr. George Shehan's philosophy that we are all athletes at different levels of training. My mission is to Empower the Athlete within! Specialties: Biomechanics of sports injuries, Special Olympics

"Dr. Watsky is a 1989 graduate of NY Medical College. After a residency training program in the US Air Force, he remained on active duty for three years after Desert Storm. He completed a fellowship training program in endocrinology at Albany Medical Center and joined The Endocrine Group in 1997. He is Board Certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, as well as Internal Medicine. His specialty is evaluation and management of thyroid disorders, including thyroid cancer and enjoys the practice of general endocrinology and all it has to offer. Dr. Watsky was one of the first physicians in the country to earn the ECNU designation.  ECNU (Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound) is a professional certification for endocrinologists who perform diagnostic evaluations of the thyroid and parathyroid glands through use of ultrasound and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. "

Dr. Sara Clark, MD is an internal medicine specialist in Albany, NY. Dr. Clark completed a residency at Yale University. She currently practices at Capital Region Otolaryngology and is affiliated with Albany Medical Center Hospital. Dr. Clark is board certified in Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology. She received her medical degree from Albany Medical College and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Jessie Block-Galarza is a board certified endocrinologist in Clifton Park, New York . She graduated from the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Argentina in 1991. She completed an Internal Medicine residency at Albany Medical Center and a Fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Block-Galarza has practiced in the Capital District for 25 years and her professional interest is the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Dr. Busch is an endocrinologist who cares for patients with a wide range of endocrine disorders. He also routinely conducts clinical trials and, for more than two decades, has worked with patients to test new drugs to treat diabetes and complications from it, including heart disease, kidney disease and eye diseases.

Dr. Busch completed a fellowship in endocrinology at Albany Medical College and completed residency training at North Shore University Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tim Hendricks joined Sanuwave in February of 2023 as the Executive V.P. of Sales for the U.S. Wound business. Across his 20 years of industry experience, Hendricks has taken on progressive roles in sales leadership, training & development, and professional education with responsibilities both internationally and in the U.S.

Tim has led sales and sales leadership teams in medical devices, biologics, specialty pharmaceuticals, and durable medical equipment. His passion for collaboration and growth has allowed him to thrive at start-ups and Fortune 500 companies such as Boston Scientific (formerly Advanced Bionics), Smith & Nephew (formerly Osiris Therapeutics), and most recently Byram Healthcare as the Vice President of Sales.

Having spent a decade working in the chronic wound market, Hendricks will continue the build-out of Sanuwave’s team and growth strategy. He earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Advertising from Southern Methodist University.

Dr. William Scherer is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.  He has maintained a private practice in South Florida since 1991, and has served 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.  Dr. Scherer has published several peer reviewed articles on onychomycosis, of which three were honored with an APMA William J. Stickel Award for outstanding research in Podiatric Medicine. He completed a PSR-24 residence in California, and since has been an innovator with medical and educational computer technology, created the Keystone Board Examination Software for Podiatric Surgery and Podiatric Medicine that has been used by thousands of physicians to prepare for their board examinations and has created dozens of computerized educational software learning programs used by thousands of K-12 public schools in Florida and California.

Dr. Adrienne Estes is a podiatric surgeon currently practicing in southern California. She is an Assistant Professor for Western University of Health Sciences and Chief of Podiatry at Riverside University Health Systems. She graduated from WUCPM and after finishing her residency in NY at the HHC Hospitals she completed her fellowship at the North Jersey Foot & Ankle Fellowship under Dr. Michael Subik. She currently specializes in minimally invasive surgery, complex limb deformity correction, limb salvage, and surgical offloading solutions for diabetic ulcers. She is double board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She is also a fellow of the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing since 2016.

She is currently the site coordinator for the PGY3 residents from VA Loma Linda and leads the Foot & Ankle Grand Rounds at the RUHS Orthopedics Residency program. She was recently voted faculty of the year at WesternU and is currently advancing the medical school curriculum with surgical cadaver conferences for pre-clinical students.  She has served on the fellowship committee for ACFAS, surgical committee for AACPM and most recently, the OR committee at her local hospital. She continues to grow as a speaker for both regional and national meetings and conferences.

Dr. James McGuire is the director of the Leonard S. Abrams Center for Advanced Wound Healing and a Professor Clinician Scholar in the Departments of Podiatric Medicine and Biomechanics at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. His undergraduate degree is from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA (1974), and his Physical Therapy Certificate is from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. (1975) He practiced physical therapy in Philadelphia until 1977 when he entered Podiatric medical school.Dr. McGuire is a board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist. He has more than 40 years of experience in biomechanics and wound management, has published extensively, and has participated in several research trials involving the diabetic foot and wound healing. Dr. McGuire has lectured both nationally and internationally in the areas of wound healing, diabetic foot management, off-loading, and biomechanics of the at-risk foot.

I have a busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Sacramento specializing in the treatment of foot and lower extremity injuries, foot orthosis therapy, sports injuries, and work-related foot and lower extremity injuries. I train 3rd-year podiatric surgery residents in my office from Kaiser Sacramento once a week at my office. In addition, I write and publish frequently in the scientific literature and lecture nationally and internationally on foot and lower extremity biomechanics, foot orthosis, and sports medicine topics.

Jason Kraus has held executive management positions in the healthcare industry for over 40 years. Most recently, Jason served as Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer and Director of OHI, a private equity-owned business in the medical device industry. 

Before joining OHI, Jason was a Partner in the practice consulting firm S.O.S. Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC and Co-founder of Benefoot Orthotic Laboratory, a leading provider of custom-made lower extremity products to physicians in North America. 

Jason currently serves on the Board of IPED (Institute of Podiatric Excellence and Development) and has recently served as the Chairman of the Corporate Advisory Board of the American Podiatric Student Medical Association, Trustee of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management and Co-Chairman of the Corporate Partners Board of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice.

Jason is a frequent lecturer at medical conferences world-wide on a wide range of marketing and management topics, and has authored numerous practice management articles for publications in professional journals.

Dr. Moore received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1999. He subsequently completed a three-year podiatric medical/surgical residency including a Diabetic Foot Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center. As a result of his hard work, Dr. Moore became the first foot and ankle surgeon to be appointed staff privileges at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

"Dr. Mark Hardy is Board Certified in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He serves as the Head of the Division of Foot & Ankle Surgery and Biomechanics at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM). He also serves as the residency director of the Mercy Health Foot and Ankle Residency Program here in the Cleveland area. He has a particular interest in foot and ankle surgical training throughout China and India, where he serves as a Visiting Professor to many orthopaedic hospitals throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Among other appointments, Dr. Hardy has served as the Scientific Chairman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), and has been a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is currently the Director of the Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation (NOFA) and Chairman of the Global Foot and Ankle Community (GFAC)"

Dr. Patel is the managing partner at a 5 doctor private practice in New Jersey. She has served on various board positions at the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society, including becoming the youngest female President of the organization in 2018. She has received numerous awards including the Podiatry Management Magazine’s Rising Star Award and the NYCPM Alumni Rising Star Award. She is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.  Dr. Patel has been a PICA Medical Advisory Committee Member since 2018. She also holds consulting roles with Stryker Orthopedics in their Foot & Ankle Division and their ASC Business Line. Dr. Patel is also a consultant with AthenaHealth and PatientPop.  During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys.

Dr. Schnack is CPME-Accredited Fellowship trained in Complex Deformity Correction and Limb Reconstruction. She is Board Qualified in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, a Licensed Podiatric Physician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and a Licensed Podiatric Physician by the State Medical Board of Ohio. With numerous publications, lectures and research projects, Dr. Schnack has demonstrated her involvement within the podiatric community.

Education BS, BA  University of Michigan 2006, 2010 MD University of Michigan. Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular disease Echocardiography, Clinical Assistant Professor CWRU School of Medicine. She works in Cleveland, OH and 3 other locations and specializes in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Li is affiliated with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Dr. Benjamin Colvard is a vascular and endovascular surgeon at University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center. He is an assistant professor of surgery at Case Western Reserve University and a graduate of the Stanford University Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency program. During his residency, he completed a fellowship in surgical innovation at the Institute of Image Guided Surgery in Strasbourg, France. He completed his medical education at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Texas at Austin. His specific clinical interests include the management of thoracic outlet syndrome and aortic diseases, with a focus on complex endovascular repair.

Tarek Hammad, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. He is also an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Hammad earned his medical degree from the University of Tishreen School of Medicine, followed by a graduate degree in pharmacology and therapeutics from the University of Damascus School of Medicine in Syria. Dr. Hammad completed his residency at Saint Louis University Hospital in Missouri, and three postdoctoral fellowships – the first in cardiovascular disease at University of Texas Health at San Antonio, then interventional cardiology and advanced endovascular fellowships at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He was named chief interventional cardiology fellow and is now the associate program director of the fellowship program.

Dr. Hammad is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and interventional cardiology. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Hammad has served as a reviewer for respected professional journals, including Circulation, Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the Journal of Vascular Medicine and more. He has authored more than 30 publications and presented at multiple national conferences on topics related to heart and vascular disease interventions.

Dr. Hammad is an active member of several nationally distinguished organizations including the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI).

Christopher Case is a 4th generation owner of the PediFix Footcare Company, now in his 45th year of service to the foot care community. As the firm’s Chief Marketing Officer and New Product Development Leader, he has been a familiar face at hundreds of conferences, and helped launch more than 60 new products over the course of his career.

Kelly Parks, DPM is an Assistant Professor and board-certified Clinical Faculty member at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, CA, where she teaches students and residents and treats patients out of Riverside University Health Systems hospital. Dr. Parks is an alumna of WesternU CPM and completed her residency training at UPMC Pinnacle in Harrisburg, PA. She also completed a surgical fellowship through the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) in Orange County, CA. Dr. Parks's professional interests include forefoot reconstruction, sports injury and repair, biomechanics, and innovations in clinical teaching. Outside of work and teaching, Dr. Parks enjoys traveling with her husband, baking for her colleagues, and relaxing with embroidery crafts.

Paul Graham is an Australian podiatrist with a particular interest in musculoskeletal

conditions. He was awarded a Fellow of the Australasian Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine in 1999. He offers training in plantar pressure analysis through his company, Step Force. He has provided plantar pressure training in universities in Australia and is a faculty member of Manipal University in India. He has used plantar pressure analysis in his clinical practice for over 25 years to diagnose and treat gait and foot dysfunctions.

Roger Marzano, L.P.O., L.Ped. is a licensed and certified prosthetist, orthotist, and pedorthist and is Vice President of Clinical Services for Yanke Bionics Clinics, Inc. with 15 locations in Northeast Ohio. Roger is a graduate of the University of Akron and Northwestern University Prosthetic Orthotic Center in Chicago. Roger has been with Yanke Bionics for 38 years and lectured extensively in the fields of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.

Brian Dunphy is the Director of Marketing at Acor Orthopaedic and a former Certified Pedorthist with 20+ years’ experience in clinical, retail, manufacturing and distribution business settings. Brian’s involvement in the evolution of Acor’s AXIS AFO product line gives him a unique insight into device development history, efficacy and best practices.

"Aamir Ahmed, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible foot and ankle surgeon with extensive training in reconstructive surgery. He currently sees patients at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey in Millburn, Westfield, and Union, New Jersey. Dr. Ahmed earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine after graduating cum laude with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He completed his three-year surgical residency at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he gained surgical experience in adult foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, arthritic joints, Achilles tendon reconstruction, arthroscopy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and diabetic limb salvage, with advanced training techniques in wound care. The following year, Dr. Ahmed went on to complete a pediatric foot and ankle fellowship at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, under the mentorships of Dr. Mark Solomon and Dr. Mark Rieger. There, he gained experience treating children with foot and ankle congenital deformities, sprains, fractures, growth plate injuries, as well as sports and dance injuries. Some pediatric conditions that Dr. Ahmed has managed and treated include equinovarus deformities (clubfoot), toe walkers, in-toeing, flatfoot, high arch foot, ankle sprains/fractures, and brachymetatarsia."

An experienced interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist with a very high volume and excellent records - more than 10,000 coronary and peripheral vascular procedures - including complex coronary, vascular, and structural heart-related interventions. High-volume operator for coronary PCIs, Impella placements, and acute MI interventions. Also perform structural heart disease interventions including BAV, myocardial biopsy, PFO closure, and alcohol septal ablation procedures. Primary radial first approach for cardiac and vascular cases with 80% radial PCI volume. Currently serving as the vascular director at Apex Vascular and performing various peripheral vascular procedures including novel pedal approaches for chronic limb ischemia and non-healing wounds. I run a successful vein disorder program and perform a large number of varicose vein-related procedures.